NSPCC NI urges more volunteers to sign up for its Schools Service

NSPCC Northern Ireland is appealing for appealing for volunteers to come forward to join its Schools Service and help educate a new generation of schoolchildren about keeping themselves safe.

The leading children’s charity is looking to reach even more children following record figures in the last academic year (April 2016 to March 2017) when 60,521 children across Northern Ireland attended special Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies.

These ground-breaking assemblies teach primary school children how to keep themselves safe from abuse and neglect.

With the help of “Buddy” the mascot, the Speak Out Stay Safe programme is delivered by NSPCC staff and volunteers who deliver age appropriate messages which link directly to the curriculum helping children aged 4-11 to:

Understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs that it’s happening

Learn how to protect themselves from all forms of abuse

Recognise both how to get help and the sources of help available to them, including Childline

The service aims to visit every primary school in Northern Ireland and across the UK every three years and in the last academic year, in Northern Ireland 346 primary schools were visited.

Karen Walker, Schools Manager with the NSPCC, said: “Without the support of our volunteers, our programme simply couldn’t exist. We are always looking for committed volunteers to join our team.

“It’s a great way to meet new people and learn a new skill, while giving something back. The NSPCC give you all the training and support you need to feel confident in your role.

“We ask for a minimum commitment of three morning or afternoon visits a month.”

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